Melissa (Wochner) McGlinn ’89
Leaving Notre Dame can be hard. Melissa (Wochner) McGlinn ‘89 will never forget her last day on campus. Her dad pulled her aside for a powerful moment of prayer that helped her navigate the change ahead and has stayed with her forever.
“I was ready to head home, but then my dad suggested one final stop at the Grotto, gently redirecting my initial impulse simply to drive away. In my final moments as a student, Dad and I knelt together before the statue of Mary. We prayed silently, our shared faith resonating in that quiet, sacred space.“
In this season of family and memory, our religious preparations and traditions, however small, become the foundations of our homes and hearts. As we gather around these rituals during this time of anticipation, how can we best celebrate and honor those who have shaped our faith and filled our lives with love?
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This is my favorite sacred story so far this year! I get a little verklempt thinking about my husband (L-88) and daughter (’23) making the drive from ND home to WA State…. 💙☘️💛
Love you Melissa!
What a beautiful reflection you shared; Melissa. It demonstrates the profound connection between our faith formation and the common gifts we share through our journey at Notre Dame. May you experience the richness of this Advent season as we wait for Christmas.
God bless you.
My grand daughter and I shared a similar moment at the grotto with Our Lady. Thank you so much for sharing yours!!
Your sacred story brought back memories of a similar 3 day drive home with my father to NV in 1995. He now has dementia, and reminiscing on this time together is comforting.
Great job, Melissa, I really enjoyed it. Your father reminds me of my own father, both part of the greatest generation. I believe we drove away in a Buick station wagon. Hi to John.
Wow. Thank you for sharing Melissa. I have tears in my eyes.
ND ‘ 72🍀
The Grotto so spiritual in the soft snow
Thank you for sharing this reflection with us Melissa! God bless you:)
Love this Melissa! Miss you and love to you and your family!
Hi Melissa , You are and were one of our daughter Nancy’s “Walsh sisters” 1985-1989.
So lovely , you’re sharing that moment with your Dad.
Many of my prayers offered at the grotto have been fulfilled and I continue to ask grotto prayer team to pray with me, especially now !
Love and Merry Christmas to your family, from Marilyn and Frank Woidat 53’
Thank you, Melissa. from another Walsh alum 1971.
Nice job Melissa! Beautiful story and was great to see you. I also remember my departure after graduation with a filled car and sad goodbyes. Happy Holidays.
How lovely to see a familiar face on Sacred Stories, Melissa! I know our paths haven’t crossed since Walsh back in the late 80’s but I always had fond memories of you. And this story just confirms why. All the best to you and your family! And here’s to hoping our paths do cross again at some point….
Melissa, beautiful…thank you for sharing this touching story. With my daughter graduating in May, I now have our plan on the way out! Have a blessed holiday season.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It brought me tears of joy as the father of a sophomore daughter in Lyons.
Thank you for sharing that special moment with your Dad
It reminded me of the times I shared with my Dad at ND
A beautiful moment, cherish it Forever. Thank you….Go IRISH!!!!
Thank you, Melissa! I noted with interest that your family picture in the beginning of this beautiful message,
was taken just outside my former room, 106, in Walsh Hall.
May you and your family enjoy the beauty and peace of this Christmas season!
Andy Reardon, ND’67
This is lovely, Melissa. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. Such an awesome memory, made me tear up. Blessings to you this Christmas season.
Such a wonderful, moving reflection…memories of my own father and mother and I making one last stop at the Grotto before they departed that day after graduation came flooding back to me as I sat there, enthralled by your story. God bless you…(who the hell’s cutting onions in here?!)